By A new Democratic battle inside the party may be brewing. Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas is reportedly making early moves to position herself as a contender for the top Democratic slot on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, following Rep. Gerry Connolly’s announcement that he will step down from the role and not seek re-election.
Connolly, a Virginia Democrat whose district includes a large number of federal employees, said Monday he would relinquish his post as ranking member “soon” due to the return of his esophageal cancer. First diagnosed in late 2024, the illness prompted his decision to close out a three-decade congressional career. “With no rancor and a full heart, I move into this final chapter full of pride in what we’ve accomplished together over 30 years,” Connolly said in a statement.
The leadership transition is already sparking behind-the-scenes jockeying. Crockett, who serves as vice ranking member on the Oversight panel—a position designed to give younger Democrats leadership opportunities—has begun quietly pitching colleagues on her readiness to take the reins. According to sources familiar with the outreach who spoke to Politico, she has framed herself as “made for the moment,” appealing to Democrats hungry for a more assertive counterbalance to the Trump administration’s return.
She told POLITICO in a text message that, while there isn’t a vacancy, “knowing that Rep Connolly doesn’t plan to seek re-election & knowing that our oversight powers are broad, I’m ready to shine a light on the very dark things taking place in our country under this administration.”
She added, “I wouldn’t want anyone to think that I’m not interested in leading our investigative body while also communicating & educating the country on our findings.”
Crockett recently came under fire for attacking the disability of Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Texas Senator John Cornyn labeled the remarks “disgraceful” and questioned whether media outlets would have responded differently had a Republican made a similar joke.
California Rep. Ro Khanna is also viewed as a likely contender, Politico noted earlier in the week. In a statement, he expressed admiration for Connolly’s work and added that his current focus remains on the committee’s mission. “He has stepped back, not stepped aside,” Khanna said. “I’m praying for him and his family.” The leftwing representative had previously expressed interest in the role.
Massachusetts Rep. Stephen Lynch, next in line by seniority behind D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, has reportedly been tapped by Connolly to fill in at upcoming hearings, starting with Wednesday’s markup of the Republican tax and border bill. While that arrangement is temporary, it signals Lynch may also enter the race to succeed Connolly on a permanent basis.
The impending vacancy comes at a time when the Democratic caucus faces renewed questions about generational leadership. Connolly had narrowly held off Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez in last year’s contest for the Oversight post, amid a broader push by younger progressives to bring more forceful oversight to the Republican-led House. Ocasio-Cortez has since left the committee for a seat on Energy and Commerce, complicating any potential comeback bid.
With a vacancy now imminent and multiple rising stars waiting in the wings, the race to shape Democrats’ investigative posture heading into a contentious election cycle is well underway.
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